. >>> the minneapolis star tribune reports the mall of america in bloomington has welcomed its first black santa. santa is played by larry jefferson and he's an army veteran. the co-owner of the mall's santa experience said they want santa to be for everyone. he will be there four days by appointment to meet families and pose in the photos. he is booked, by the way, all weekend. >>> the new york times reports elements. here they are. number 113 is nihomium, muscovian, tenesen and oganesen. this is the official recognition of the names. >> very cool. >>> the oregonian reports on a jail bird's mug shot with his pet bird. craig buckner posed with his beloved parrot after his arrest. he did not expect to be taken into custody when he took his bird to his washington county, oregon. he eventually found someone to take care of the bird while he's in jail. >> he has a sense of humor. i like it. >>> chinese airline begins the first nonstop flights from beijing to las vegas. tourism officials in vegas anticipate the city could rake in an extra $33 million a year from visitors on that route alo